Oyster Worldwide

I am a young adult Agronomist from Malawi. I passionate about agriculture and community development, promoting the food security. With hardworking, team work and skills get in agriculture sector and other I will to contribute to any nation for development and sustainability of livehood of people.

We have just had the most incredible experience volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in Ecuador! Oyster Worldwide was endlessly helpful right from the get go with reassuring and consistent communication. We felt very looked after and in safe hands - thank you!

I'm back and I had the best time ever!!!!! Sorry I'm replying so late and thank you for making this trip possible. I absolutely loved volunteering in South Africa.

Hi Georgie, I just wanted to say a big thank you for all that you have done to get me over here and have a job. I have been at my job nearly four weeks and I am really enjoying it. Not sure if I told you or not but it is a cattle farm around 4 hours west of Brisbane and I have been doing lots of cattle work and learning lots of new skills. My boss is real nice too which makes it better still. Not really sure how long I will be here. I am thinking until the end of April before starting my travelling and making my way back home eventually to rainy England. Was nice to meet you at the training farm and put a face to a name! Thanks once again, Greg

Did my first week on wildlife which I really enjoyed…… fab seeing the variety of animals, the sun bears were definitely my favourite! I'm now into my 2 weeks with elephants, just completed the 2nd day. It's a different feel to wildlife - the pace is slower and there's a lot of people in each group…. Walking and washing an elephant yesterday was really special, feeling very lucky to experience such things. The project is VERY well organised and they regularly ask for feedback and suggestions.

I had the most amazing time in South Africa! I really enjoyed meeting the other volunteers and getting to work so close with the baboons. The only advice I can offer other volunteers is that people need to be aware that they cannot use bug spray with deet in it while they are there as it is harmful to the baboons.

I booked to volunteer in Thailand through Oysterworldwide and they were absolutely fantastic through every step. From making booking the trip so easy to supporting me whenever I was there, I would highly recommend Oysterworldwide to anyone!

Having the best time ever. My introductory week in Sydney was amazing met so many nice people, that I will be lifelong friends with. Surf camp was also so much fun oh my goodness. I am now at Sunshine Coast to celebrate Christmas and new years with family friends. I have also just handed in my CVs at the Sunshine Coast cafes so hopefully should hear something soon. But overall 10/10 experience would recommend this to anyone.

I had a great time on my trip to other country, made so many friends, and enjoyed everything the program offered. I also completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential section. Highly recommend this experience!

I really enjoyed my time in Romania. The accommodation was lovely and it was great to meet the other volunteer and to work with her. Really nice that there was someone else there. It was a special time being my 10th year of volunteering at the bear sanctuary and it will, sadly, be my last time. However, I hope to spend a long weekend in Brasov (next year now) to see Razvan again. I will continue to support the bear sanctuary.

Thank you so much for everything it really warmed my heart :))) Last week, I was assigned to the Wildlife Center, and it turned out almost exactly as I had hoped. I spent most of the time with monkeys, especially gibbons (thank you so much for arranging this for me). I truly loved it — it was a very special and magical journey. This week is my second week at the Elephant Sanctuary. Being assigned to different elephants every day has been a completely different experience altogether. It's hard to compare the two, but I genuinely think having one week for each is a great and very balanced arrangement. Overall, I've enjoyed everything very much. The Thai staff are incredibly kind, and it's been a joy getting to know friends from so many different countries. Although the work is physically demanding and I do feel tired, my heart feels very full and satisfied. I still have a few days left, and I will continue to fully enjoy every moment here. Thank you again for all the thoughtful arrangements.

I joined the Wildlife Conservation in South Africa, Port Elizabeth at 17 years old and had an amazing experience! The staff were all very helpful in settling you in and I met people from all over the world across different age groups and really bonded with everyone during my short stay there! Definitely something you can go do alone (like I did) or go with a friend!

I'm out here now and this is my first week and a half have been really good. Everyone's really nice and I'm really enjoying it. We've already been in Jeffrey's bay for surfing and soon, we'll do the safari!

My 17 year old son had an amazing time in Ecuador! I was very nervous about him traveling alone, but all the directions and correspondence was amazing from start to finish. He loved the experience and is thinking about doing it again. I felt he was well taken care of, the directions were great and Kate Tipler my contact at Oyster was always very responsive and top of it. The person who picked him up at the airport was wonderful about sending me pics of him which I didn't expect and loved. He loved the experience of being there and met wonderful friends from around the world. Highly recommend!

Claudia's Mum here! I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at Oyster and your team in Spain for looking after Claudia so well. She adored her time there and in the cat shelter, she hasn't stopped chatting about it. I will definitely recommend your services for D of E.

Kate was so helpful. Everything was set out really simply and was flexible with timing. I did South Africa wildlife conservation and it was great. The highlight was seeing 4 of the big 5, and the incredible people I was with. At one point I was momentarily put in the wrong group during the activity, but I was quickly put in the correct group and got to meet even more people!

Had a great time working with horses in Croatia. Everybody involved was really kind and helpful, and the trip went smoothly. It was also very helpful that this could be done as a DofE Residential, and Oyster have been helpful in getting back to us with Assessor's reports.

My daughter arranged her Gold D of E Residential through Oyster, and they were brilliant. Communication was fab throughout, and the trip was a huge success! Great opportunities for young people!

My daughter booked a weeks volunteering in South Africa for her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Oyster were fantastic throughout, providing all the information, ensuring we had everything completed and the experience was excellent. Thank you Kate and Georgie, highly recommend.

I had the greatest time in costa rica volunteering with turtles. They provided everything i needed and looked after me thoroughly while i was with them. Incredible experience and would definitely recommend.

The team at Oyster made my experience so smooth and memorable. Firstly, they gave me all the info about my trip beforehand so I could adequately prepare. They kept in contact with me throughout, if I had any questions. I had such an amazing and unforgettable experience in Barcelona with the cats, Thank you so much!

I have recently received my second working holiday visa after having an incredible first year in Australia. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work at a pre-training farm in Sydney which was set up by Georgie which gained me invaluable experience. This was followed by travelling up the East Coast with one of my closet friends who I met at the job. We visited around 10 different places up the coast and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. I had so much fun, made so many friends and incredible memories all whilst discovering lots of beautiful places that Australia has to offer. I will never forget the memories that I made during that time. This opportunity that Georgie and Oyster provided me has allowed me to find a job myself in another pre-training yard where I am living the dream. I have been very lucky to receive lots of training from my boss on one of her retired racehorses in preparation to start riding the pre-trainers. I am so grateful to Georgie and the team who have allowed me to turn what was once a dream into my everyday reality.

I’m doing very well, here the volunteering has been great and kept me busy. I’m enjoying exploring wellington on my days off too. The first few days were a bit disrupted due to my cancelled flight and then my delayed bag but that was all sorted quickly.

We are finally back after being bumped off our flight on the way home and having to stay another day in Windhoek. What an amazing trip! This project was phenomenal and everyone in our group got something differently positive about it. The team were super inclusive and accepting of Finn's additional needs and actually celebrated him and what he could do which was really special. We had some very close elephant encounters and although we experienced the death of a calf, this meant that we got to have hand-on experience of working with the vet and facing the reality of the challenges. Namibia felt super safe and very easy to get around although the distances are vast and the terrain often bumpy. We'd definitely recommend this trip to any other family but be prepared not to wash for many days at a time!

Both guides were fantastic. They were bright, and passionate and able to help us to understand the complexities and factors to consider when understanding challenges in relation to reforestation in Borneo. The whole family (kids aged 11, 14, 17) really enjoyed the volunteering aspect and felt that it was incredibly rewarding. It was hard work in the humidity but completely manageable and breaks and snacks were always strongly encouraged. It was very inspiring to hear of animals being seen in areas that have been reforested, and a sense of hope for similar with the trees we've planted. Maintenance of trees planted by previous volunteers was lovely, knowing that future volunteers would look after ours. We felt very well looked after throughout the project .The river trips were fantastic and we all loved the night trip as well. Our guide went out of his way to ensure we could see as diverse a range of wildlife as possible. It was very special to have a guide who was still in touch with his family's indigenous roots and beliefs and to give us a deeper insight into understanding the rainforest on a much deeper level. The food was good, and even our relatively fussy children enjoyed it and ate well. Meals in villagers houses were a real highlight. Out of a three week trip to Borneo, I'd say that this was everyone's favourite week.

I would rate this 5 out of 5. There were frequent reminders and emails which ensured I was doing everything on time. It was very easy to follow guidance Kate gave me and my trip wouldn’t have been possible without her! Overall it was an amazing experience and a highlight was building the wall for the local village.

My trip to Romania was such an incredible experience. It was my first time travelling solo but the Oyster staff were lovely and I felt well looked out for. The sanctuary is such a peaceful place to spend time in, it has beautiful views and over 100 bears to watch and learn all about. If you love bears and exploring new places I would definitely recommend!

Our son, Billy is having an incredible time in Costa Rica, working with a team involved in turtle conservation. Oyster were extremely helpful in managing the expectation and anxieties of both Billy and ourselves. His safety, welfare and overall care was never in doubt, despite his last minute, lackadaisical teenage admin. Oyster kept us informed throughout the process. Our other son will be going to Namibia with Oyster next year.

Thank you so much for reaching out! The days here are flying by & I can’t believe it will already be time to say goodbye on Saturday. So many beautiful memories & new experiences, I don’t even know where to start! The project is amazing for volunteers like me. A lot of different volunteer activities with the turtles but enough personal space as well. The team is amazing and my local ‘coach’ Josué has been absolutely incredible in showing & explaining me everything! Anna from the main office has been super helpful in rescheduling my transportation & accommodation when my flight was delayed & has also had great input for local excursions. The last two days it has been raining non stop (Hurricane Melissa) so unfortunately I could not join the Corazolito team in visiting a local school since the streets were muddy rivers and there was no way of getting there. But ,Pura Vida’ as the locals say!

Georgie was really helpful and responsive. The local contact was really hands on & made us feel really welcome, Razvan was brilliant. I loved learning about the bears and getting to see them so close in their natural environment.

Thank you, it was one of the best experiences in our lives! We felt so close to the nature and met many wonderful and enthusiastic people. Everything went smoothly due to your organisation, thank you for this. I'm now thinking to come back there in a couple of years with my friend, her son (he will be doing gold DofE) and my younger daughter.

Thank you Oyster! It took a couple of days to settle in but I’m really enjoying this volunteer work in such an amazing environment. I love learning new things every day and I look forward to learning and seeing even more.

Ecuador is amazing! I’m really enjoying my stay and constantly finding more stuff to do here. I have felt very welcome with the other volunteers and workers here. I am very grateful to be able to visit this beautiful part of the world!

It was great -Razvan was so supportive of us and the little flat is lovely v clean and well appointed plus being in the old town a great location -I had a lot of time to wander around Brasov plus going to Bran castle and Peles castle -it was also v interesting learning about the bears and Romania. We had such good weather whilst I was there -unusually warm I think but v welcome. Thank you 🙏

I had an amazing time in South Africa, made lots of friends from all over the world, and saw some incredible animals on game drives, as well as helping with tasks such as tree chopping, going to a local school, and planting trees. Kate was super helpful, and this made the trip go really smoothly, I would definitely recommend!

We had an amazing time in South Africa and it has definitely been one of our favourite holidays. The main thing I would say is that we massively over packed! We didn't need to take any T-shirts for work as they give you 1 to wear as uniform (we cot 2 as we were there for more than a week). They also give you a lovely warm fleece and a cap. That said, we had the most amazing time and would definitely recommend the experience to others and book another volunteering holiday in the future.

I will never forget this special experience. I will never forget this special experience, especially the first time I collected the eggs from a mother turtle. The area is absolutely gorgeous, I could live there forever. The volunteers and locals were so generous, and communicated clearly months leading up to the trip. I felt very welcomed and proud of the difference I made for the turtles. From building a hatchery to surfing, painting and improving Spanish, there was so much I learned! Thanks to Kate, Anna, Josue, Melissa, Camilla and everyone else :)

It was really great to gain new experiences with Oyter Worldwide while volunteering with Bears in Romania, get some different insights and immerse myself in a totally different world with some new people.

I LOVED my time in South Africa doing the conservation experience! I was unsure what to expect but this exceeded everything I was anticipating! The accommodation was good (but cold, bring warm clothes if weather doesn’t look good!), the other volunteers were really nice, staff were friendly and approachable, food was decent and activities were good as well, however not as hands on as I was expecting - generally wildlife monitoring in the park however I only went for one week and the activities vary week on week so my experience may not be a good representation of all the activities . I fed the big cats, did game drives, collected litter around the park/on the edges of the fence, went on a walking safari, and did quad-biking (however I had to pay for this last activity myself, would recommend!). I also advise to go for two weeks + as 1 week went by very quickly, especially as I went to Port Elizabeth on Friday. Accommodation in PE deffo needs some work but it is still sleepable and the hot showers were nice! Overall an amazing time!!! Best holiday of my life so far!!!

I just wanted to thank you Kate, and the organisation for, what by all accounts, has been such an amazing experience. It seems my son has made some great friendships, loved the staff and is thinking about next year already. Thank you for all of your support over these last few months, you made every step of the process seamless, were so responsive and professional and again I so appreciate everything.

It is really beautiful here! I am very much enjoying my Stay here. The diving is great and the people are very nice too. Sorry for replying so late, but time goes by really fast here as there's so much to be involved with.

I was very grateful for the organisation and help on our Marine Conservation in Portugal trip. Really enjoyed myself, organisation was great with support whenever needed and staff was very friendly and helpful.

What can I say? I’m well fed, the weather is perfect , it’s not too cold when diving, I even managed a karaoke session last night after a sunset sailing trip with lots of wine, being an older chap I’m not always able to keep pace with the younger generation but rest assured I’m doing my best!

LOVED my time in Braşov and at the sanctuary. The fact that it’s a different set up to previous volunteer work that I’ve done took a quick minute for my brain to adjust - but this small scale, utterly unique experience was really special. I was totally happy working on my own, especially with a view out to the adolescent bear’s enclosure. Brilliant. I’ve never met an on-location rep with such attention to detail and proficiency. The flat was great, everything I needed, warm and comfortable. Loads to do around the town, culture, restaurants, people watching, hiking. I was never bored and it was easy to fill any time off. Bolt on transfer was efficient and I really liked the driver Ovi, we discussed every topic under the sun. Very amusing, great company - I learnt a lot about family life in Romania with 2.4 children.

I had a great time and an overall amazing trip. The people and staff have been amazing. The vets have also been extremely informative and friendly. This trip has definitely been eye-opening Overall I had a positive experience at the reserve itself and all time with the vet’s was very positives.

As parents of a 17 year old, encouraging our son to go on a volunteering trip to Ecuador was a big decision, however, thanks to the professionalism and support of Oyster Worldwide it was a positive experience from start to finish. Kate was fantastic- always responsive, informative and reassuring, her support made the whole experience as stress free as it could be for us as parents. The project was everything we could have asked for and was a springboard for our son to go off alone to do some solo travelling. We can’t recommend Oyster worldwide highly enough - especially for parents who might feel wary about sending a teenager abroad.

I've not long returned from Romania and am already pining to go back. The sanctuary is my happy place and Brasov is the city I love. Working at the sanctuary for my 4th time was as special as it was the 1st time. Seeing the bears every day, living a happy life, fills my soul with joy. Since I first volunteered in 2018 Razvan has become a dear friend who always goes above and beyond his role, whether you are there for the first time or a returning volunteer. I can't possibly say enough positive things about this experience.

Super support from initial enquiry right up to departure. Kate was attentive and patient with my enquiries. Super friendly and great customer service. I would recommend Oyster & the Elephant conservation in Namibia

Volunteering here has been so wonderful! I got PADI Open Water certified! Its beautiful, I want to try to get more photos and videos of Koh Phangan!

Oh my goodness thank you so much for checking in! This experience is so much fun! I can’t even explain how grateful i am for it but it really is so so amazing, the people and the place are wonderful and everyone is caring. Thank you so much for everything

It’s absolutely fantastic here. The atmosphere is brilliant and everyone, from the staff to the other volunteers, has been so kind and welcoming. I’ve loved working with the kids and being a part of something positive. It’s been a rewarding and enriching experience so far, and I’m grateful to Oyster for making this opportunity possible.

LOVED my time in Braşov and at the sanctuary. The fact that it’s a different set up to previous volunteer work that I’ve done took a quick minute for my brain to adjust - but this small scale, utterly unique experience was really special. I’m totally happy working on my own, especially with a view out to the adolescent bear’s enclosure. Brilliant. Razvan is obviously the key factor in why it works so well despite the language barriers on site. I’ve never met an on-location rep with such attention to detail and proficiency…….especially seeing as he is completing these duties alongside a full time job! I made zero effort top learn any Romanian and to be honest I think even if I’d invested hours of time my capabilities would have been poor. Google translate, bad miming and Razvan at the end of the phone from the 1990s is enough to get by. Some of the sanctuary workers are more keen to interact than others but that’s all fine - just an observation. Personally I would have liked more to do. The vagueness of the arrival time for the afternoon delivery was a tiny bit frustrating but that’s just the way it is. Not the end of the world……I’m just not good with feeling that I’m not being 100% productive ALL OF THE TIME. More my own OCD totally neurotic character trait. I could definitely do with being a bit more Romanian Laid Back!! My suggestion would be to have a back up list of extra/optional jobs that could be done around the food prep area………perhaps cleaning based - scrubbing down the walls, hosing out the food crates, organising stuff inside the fridge. The flat was great, everything I needed, warm and comfortable. Loads to do around the town, culture, restaurants, people watching, hiking. I was never bored and it was easy to fill any time off. Bolt transfer was efficient and I really liked the driver Ovi, we discussed every topic under the sun. Very amusing, great company - I learnt a lot about family life in Romania with 2.4 children.

I'm doing really well here—it's a very peaceful and beautiful place to be. The surroundings are stunning, the work is meaningful, and the elephants are incredible to interact with. Thank you to Oyster for facilitating this amazing trip and making the whole process so smooth. I’m learning a lot and truly appreciating every moment here.

This has been the best time of my life. I honestly couldn’t have done it without Oyster’s help and guidance. The people I've met and the skills I’ve gained are unforgettable. There were moments where it felt TOO GOOD to be true—like living in a dream. The snow, the mountains, and the excitement of learning and teaching have made this experience magical.

My four weeks at the wildlife reserve were nothing short of amazing. I’ve felt truly happy here and have learned so much about animal care, conservation, and teamwork. I met so many kind and interesting people, and every day brought a new, exciting challenge. This experience has confirmed my passion for veterinary work. Thank you, Oyster!

I booked this trip because I love bears but I had no idea just how great it the experience was going to be. The communication and organisation of Oyster both before and during my trip was excellent. Beforehand, Georgie was in regular contact and also answered any questions I had in record time. The MyOyster feature was also a great tool with lots of information about the trip. While I was in Brasov, Razvan kept up the great communication and was available any time if we had any questions. He also brought us on a tour of Brasov which was very informative and fun. There was one day of orientation at the sanctuary on the Saturday before work began on Monday. Here, you get to go behind the scenes a little and visit the teddy bear museum and the bear viewing area and learn a bit more about the work the sanctuary does. Every morning before we left for work, Razvan would meet with us to let us know what jobs we were to do each day. He also checked up during the day and then again in the evenings to make sure everything was okay and everyone was happy. The work was mainly food prep for the bears and farm animals (there are also horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, a cow, a turkey and other small animals in the small farm area). The work hours are 9 to 3 and there is transport arranged. Our driver, Ovi, was great fun. His English was perfect and we learned lots of Romanian history as well as talking about anything and everything. I can’t recommend this trip highly enough. It is obviously sad that so many bears need to be rescued but seeing them living their lives happily in the sanctuary was so good. It is also such an amazing experience watching the bears wandering around being bears. I don’t think there is any other trip available that lets you get to see so many bears so close (behind electrified fences of course!) and to witness their natural behaviour. It was also nice to know I was helping out in a small way in the sanctuary because they do amazing work.

I'm currently on my way back home but it was a really good experience. I got my SSI diving certification and people from the diving center are extremely nice. Oh and Clara (the coordinator) is soo nice!

Oyster Worldwide helped me every step of the way for the paid farm work programme. I had many questions and Georgie was very helpful in answering any of them. I found the entire process very smooth and I'm very happy to be in Australia. Georgie really made my experience coming to Australia easy. I decided to do the farm work experience in Australia very last minute and I was able to easily get a spot in a group and I am now very happy working on a farm in NSW. I highly recommend Oyster for anyone trying to plan a gap year abroad.

The first week went great and the training farm was wonderful. Brisbane was beautiful and I was able to do a lot of cool stuff with the people I met through the program. The training farm was very helpful and I learned a lot that I didn’t know before. Now I am at my job at Suttor Creek, mustering and branding cattle as well as doing some maintenance work. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m having a great time.

Wow this was such an incredible experience with the elephant research team! It was so amazing to get up close & learn about these animals & their conservation. It has been one of the best things I've ever done, thanks to the Oyster team for their support throughout. Communication was great & always very responsive. The local team were great, it was really good. Thank you for all your help & support when I had my pre trip jitters!

From the very first day, I felt incredibly welcome. Razvan is always there when you need him, and the town of Brașov is such a special place with a wonderful atmosphere. The sanctuary itself is incredibly peaceful, truly one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been. Traveling to Romania to work at the sanctuary is definitely worth it!

I’m so exhausted by the end of each day here that I can barely keep my eyes open, let alone check emails! ; ) But it’s been SO incredible - hard but heartwarming work, and the animals are gorgeous as are the teams. I don’t want to leave!!!

I went to South Africa for a little over two weeks and in those two weeks I participated in two of Oyster Worldwide trips (one week per trip plus a couple days between flights for transport purposes) and I had an amazing time. The main reasons I went on this trip is for work experience however I also had my birthday during my time there and it was important to me that there would be no complications. I had a very kind and informative member of the admin team, her name is Kate, who helped my sister and I during the entire process, from the booking of flights, to the arrangements of mid-trip transport (my experience was unique due to taking part in two different excursions which were located in different areas of South Africa- Kate helped us arrange overnight accommodation due to flight times, transport to and from the airports and so much more when it came to moving from one excursion to the other). Kate also was extremely helpful when I had some technical difficulties when trying to access my personal oyster worldwide portal and she very efficiently got it sorted for me. This was my first time flying long haul as a young person and my first time flying without my parents and naturally I was nervous about the many things that are entailed in the planning of a trip like the one i was on, Kate made my experience a lot more comfortable and explained everything clearly and concisely and overall much more manageable process. I am so grateful to her for helping make my trip as magical as it was and it has definitely convinced me to user Oyster Worldwide again in the future.

Really enjoying it. It’s been a great week. We have five rescued baby baboons and this week the center is short staffed so they asked me to be a surrogate mother to one of them so all very exciting. On top of that the first day we witnessed a pride of lions finishing a kill by the river, as well as seeing twice a pack of wild dogs, giraffes, elephants, warthog, impala among others I don’t know the names of. Tomorrow I’ve signed up to go on a day safari with them along with two other volunteers!

I booked a wildlife volunteering trip in Thailand with Oyster Worldwide, and knew immediately that I was in capable hands. My coordinator was so quick to respond to emails and queries, happy to move my dates when life got in the way and delayed my initial booking, and provided me with all the info I needed before I set off. My three weeks in Thailand were an absolute dream. I spent the first two with primates, bears, birds and all manner of other beautiful animals, and then did the third week with elephants, and both experiences were magical. The work was hard – you're up with the dawn preparing food, harvesting banana trees, scrubbing bear pools and monkey enclosure – but it was the most rewarding I've ever done. I met so many brilliant people, staff and other volunteers, and made friends and memories for life. I cannot recommend it enough, and will definitely be booking another trip.

The most exciting part of my holiday was the elephants. Definitely felt we helped in the welfare of the elephants, and got a greater understanding of changes for animals in the wild. It was amazing! Highly recommended. The team were lovely and made us feel part of the family. If doing again (likely), I'd stay at least 2 weeks. 5 star!

I've been in CR 5 days and am well settled in. 1st Patrol last night in a largish group,. 4.30am tomorrow, just me & local staff. We released 98 hatchlings when I got here on Tuesday afternoon! A sublime, mesmerising experience watching a turtle digging a nest then catching the eggs as she laid them, in my hand(!) b4 transferring them to a safer spot. Couldn't put them in the hatchery as it has to be dismantled by 15th Dec when project closes for the season. Releasing hatchlings at dusk on the first and last evenings was also magical.

The turtle experience was beyond Miles's wildest dreams. He was involved in releasing more than 400 hatchlings (I think?) and was able to catch the eggs coming from two different nesting turtles in his (gloved) hand. They were relocated to above the high tide line and away from the raccoons. I am so grateful we had this experience-- this combination of hard work and spectacular reward (in the form of turtles) is hard to find! Our lodging was great and the cook did her very best to accommodate Miles-- not an easy task!

Volunteering with turtles in Costa Rica The transfer packages and were super efficient and smooth. Communication before and after the trip was always reliable. The actual experience itself was also brilliant. Can’t fault it!

Working with the horses and the livery clients has been incredibly fun and the flexible working hours have meant it’s been really easy to do some exploring in my downtime! The horses are all really sweet and I’ve been able to ride in my free time as well. The local area is beautiful and the beach is only 5 minutes down the road. There are shops close by and amazing beaches all along the peninsulas coast, plus it’s close to Phillip Island so we’ve seen lots of adorable penguins in their natural habitat! My employers have been so incredibly welcoming and you really feel like part of the family working here, I would throughly recommending it to anyone looking for a working holiday with horses. The two dogs on site are also really fun and love to have cuddles and explore the beach with you!

Oyster have been amazing to me. Originally I had planned to go to Whistler for a ski season however, my Visa didn’t arrive in time. I was able to transfer to one of Oyster’s New Zealand programmes and I’m having a fantastic time so far. Sami and Georgie were so helpful when helping me sort everything out. If you are looking to do any kind of gap year I can’t recommend Oyster enough!

Elephants are awesome. I travelled from the UK to Namibia by myself at just 17 years old which was awesome and I went from home sleeping to sleeping under the milky way. The first elephant herd I saw was headed by the matriarch Mathilda, and she was confident and one can never underestimate the power and beauty of nature in a perpetually hectic urban life. You don't have to go,but if you want to do something great and at the same time inspire yourself I thoroughly recommend it.

I have had an amazing time with Oyster doing the paid horse training and horsemanship course in Australia. I had the best time in Sydney making loads of new friends and creating lots of memories, whilst also getting set up to start working straight away. Travelling to my job was also very easy and I am currently really enjoying my time working at a pre-training thoroughbred yard and learning lots. The project manager Georgie has been super helpful and supportive throughout my whole experience and is always happy to answer any questions big or small about my time in Australia. Would highly recommend this course to anybody thinking of doing it!

Back home after a hugely rewarding 2 weeks working with the elephants at the sanctuary. Think for a volunteering holiday such as this, a basic level of fitness is a must - especially when helping out on the harvesting of the banana tree trunks :)

My time in Costa Rica with my granddaughter Nieve, was wonderful. It was spectacular learning opportunity and a really special way for the two of us to build a bond: working shoulder to shoulder with a very dedicated team of researchers working with amazing animals in a beautiful place. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a meaningful way to get away from it all, and spend some time in the tropics. The team were warm, outgoing and very generous. I could go on and on. You have connected with an excellent team on the ground. They were all very responsive and good problem-solvers. My granddaughter is diabetic, so that posed some challenges for us (mostly anxiety on my part) but nonetheless, we were very grateful to have accommodation in the main station house at the site where there was reliable WIFI and also a swimming pool. WIFI allowed her to check in with her mom by WhatsApp most evenings. And it also meant that her mom was able to keep an eye on her sugar levels from afar. It meant that HAD there been a problem, we would have had instant decision-making backup. The pool was great for morale and our comfort. The group of volunteers and researchers was seamless, cooperative and very friendly. We enjoyed the local people we met.

Volunteering in a wildlife sanctuary in Ecuador through Oyster was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you're considering this kind of experience but feel unsure—don’t be! Oyster was with me every step of the way, making sure I was well-prepared and supported from start to finish. Working with rescued animals in the heart of the rainforest was unforgettable, and I met some of the most incredible, passionate people I’ve ever known. The local team and fellow volunteers made it feel like a second family. If you’re looking for a life-changing adventure, I can’t recommend Oyster enough!

I just wanted to share how absolutely fantastic my trip was. It was filled with amazing experiences that I’ll never forget. One of the highlights was having the opportunity to train some of the animals, including a Tyra, which was an incredible learning experience. I also worked closely alongside the vet nurse, helping to support an unwell kinkajou—a truly rewarding moment that deepened my passion for animal care. Beyond the hands-on experiences, I had some wonderful dinners with the people I met during my stay, and we created lifelong memories together. The connections I made with both the animals and the people have left a lasting impact, and I genuinely feel I’ve made friends for life. All the transport arrangements were seamless, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’m already looking forward to returning, hopefully within the next year! Thanks again for making this all possible.

The sanctuary for Bears is my Happy place. Being able to volunteer and do a little bit to help these amazing animals is incredible. Although I was ill at the beginning of my trip and missed a couple of days at the sanctuary I was very well looked after. The in country support from Razvan is outstanding. Bear welfare is at the heart of everything they do - and they are very good at people welfare too.. This was my second time volunteering at the sanctuary and hopefully not my last.

This is a big thank you for introducing me to this project, I had the best time in my life what a beautiful place it is and the girls was so amazing and helpful to me and the elephants wow stunning they are. So again thank you so much! Was so taken back most wonderful people in the world so helpful and made me feel so welcome learning so much about what they do for elephants. I will definitely be returning there in the future.

Hi I had the most amazing time what a beautiful place and the elephants Wow was so taken back with the unit, the most wonderful people in the world so helpful and made me feel so welcome learning so much about what they do for elephants and all the information they help other sites who save elephants. I will definitely be returning there in the future.

I took my son, who needed support for his epilepsy and learning difficulties to the Private Game reserve near Port Elizabeth, South Africa as part of his residential for his DOE Gold. We had a fantastic time with many great activities in the reserve and the local school. We met many young volunteers from around the world. Kate was very helpful and arranged some separate accommodation for us and the staff and management were very welcoming. I would definitely come back for a longer period

Everything is going great here, I'm having a really lovely time. Everyone here is amazing and it's been such fun! I would definitely love to come back in my gap year, all the people are so friendly and the place is beautiful.

Reliable and friendly follow-up from Kate throughout the entire process for volunteering in South Africa. Security for assistance with all necessary details. Good information. Easy website. I can really recommend Oyster Worldwide, and I would definitely choose them again. The project has a really serious and high methodical standard in all they do for the baboons. I am impressed. It's hard work, and really meaningful to be part of it.

I am getting on very well at the bear centre and really enjoying the experience.. and I am having a wonderful experience of the jungle! Volunteering with Sun Bears in Borneo has been an amazing experience and I am so glad I did it .

I can’t believe I’m nearly halfway through my trip already!! The animals here are amazing and the sanctuary is so beautiful. Life is certainly very different here and it took me a while to adjust but I feel really at home here now!! Monika is so lovely and welcoming and been so helpful in giving me all the information I need. The work here is hard but really rewarding when we get such a hands on experience with the animals and I have so many amazing photos already!! I definitely feel like all the information provided by Oyster has been really helpful in making sure I was really prepared for this trip, mentally and also practically in terms of knowing what to pack!! Thank you so much for all your help.

Kate was brilliant as the 'go-between' sorting out any queries I had before my son set off on an amazing adventure - volunteering in South Africa for four weeks. Communications were prompt and very informative.

My son was 17 when we booked his trip to South Africa as part of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. I just wanted to let you know what an amazing time he had at the reserve. He loved everything about the trip, had some fantastic experiences and met some lovely people. Thank you so much for helping us along the way. You were able to put our minds at rest and answer our questions. I will definitely be recommending your company.

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

I am loving this trip so much I am hardly checking my phone! I am very well and the first week was awesome. All questions I had were answered perfectly and completely correctly by either Oyster or the coordinators out here and everyone out here has been so welcoming and supportive. An all round good and easy experience.

I’m here in Porto and have settled in well. Thank you for all of your help over the past couple of months while sorting out this trip. I wouldn’t feel as prepared if it wasn’t for your thorough and quick responses back to me. Thank you for everything.

The Wildlife conservation experience was amazing thank you Oyster Worldwide, I loved every second and had the best experience ever, I wanted to say thank you for being able to help with everything and allowing me to do this.

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

I thought my experience was great with Oyster. I thought it was an amazing project and I would definitely recommend to family and friends. The only thing I would note is adding more information about the project on the website for example we slept under the stars every night that was amazing and may encourage more people to join! I loved the projects connection with the community and seeing the benefits that our work with the company has on the locals. I thought the communication and project organisation was brilliant and it made arriving in a different country a lot easier.

Our stay at the bear sanctuary is one of the best things I've ever done. Seeing and spending time with the bears and wolves was such a privilege From start to finish every thing was so well organised. And everyone was so helpful and friendly especially Razvan who made our stay perfect and Ovi our driver who made us laugh every day. I would recommend this experience of a lifetime at the same time helping the bears and spreading the word about the fantastic work they do

It was all very well organised from the very beginning. All the staff were absolutely amazing, so lovely and welcoming. The highlight was seeing all the animals thriving in their natural habitat, and the knowledge and care the staff showed towards them.

I’m doing good. My trip has been going really well and I am loving being with the nurses and physical therapists. It is a very organized program that is always willing to help with any questions or concerns. I loved getting to meet all the patients and be welcomed as I got to see the nurses and physical therapists do their work. Thanks for checking in!

Thanks for organising our placement here. It is brilliant. We are really enjoying the experience and meeting so many animals and people. The Centre is great, and has everything we need. Last working day tomorrow, and leaving Thursday. We will be sad to leave, but are looking forward to the next part of our Thailand adventure.

We are currently in our second week of volunteering at the bear sanctuary in Romania. I am a returning volunteer but everything is just as fantastic as I remembered it. Georgie at Oyster was brilliant at helping us book the weeks that worked best for us and was very accommodating of our needs. The whole experience from the beginning was top notch. Răzvan has been as incredible as he was when I came here before and is a credit to Oyster. Nothing is too much trouble and he is always there to help us. The experience of working at the sanctuary and seeing the bears live happy lives is something that we feel everyone should do at least once. Thank you for making this possible.

I have just finished my 2 weeks volunteering at the Bear Sanctuary. I have had the most amazing time. Conversations with Georgie before booking were very helpful and informative- even so I was a little worried about coming here alone. I needn’t have worried- Razvan the local manager is fantastic and nothing is too much trouble for him. After 1 day I felt like I had known him forever. The staff at the sanctuary and the Guides and the Oyster driver were all brilliant. The Bears welfare is top priority and it is a beautiful place for them. I was also very lucky with my fellow volunteers who shared my love of bears made my trip very memorable (Julie, Adam, Tina & Teresa).x I would not hesitate in recommending this trip with Oyster. Special thanks go to Razvan and the Sanctuary staff. I will definitely be back again

Our stay at the bear sanctuary is one of the best things I've ever done. Seeing and spending time with the bears and wolves was such a privilege From start to finish every thing was so well organised. And everyone was so helpful and friendly especially Razvan who made our stay perfect and Ovi our driver who made us laugh every day. I would recommend this experience of a lifetime at the same time helping the bears and spreading the word about the fantastic work they do.

Greetings from Tasmania! The past week has been good. I really enjoyed my time over at the training farm and it helped me learn some new things as well as refresh my memory with some farming work too. I'm headed off to a job in NSW at the end of next week so I got some time to travel a bit. Needless to say it's been a great experience thus far, thanks for checking in!

Great support in location. Very helpful and caring. Time outside, visiting the sanctuary was great and something new. Volunteers must understand it is hard work, smelly but it isn’t too many hours and the rewards are worthwhile. Time with animals was rewarding!

First two weeks have gone really well, I’ve had the chance to not only coach sport but also teach and spend some time in childcare. Definitely starting to settle in a bit more now as it was a little difficult with the most of the other volunteers being a bit younger and Dutch but I think we get some more people joining next week. The volunteering itself and the programme is amazing, the kids are truly inspiring and I’m loving every second I get to spend with them!

I had the best time ever during my two week stay at the animal sanctuary in Ecuador. The oyster world team were also very accommodating to me, as I was planning on changing my trip due to currents news of Ecuador and they helped me every step of the way, i eventually went with my original dates and am very glad that I did. The experience itself is one I will never forget and I did not expect to be able to work in such close proximity to the animals without feeling micromanaged, and I felt I was doing meaningful work. I had no previous experience with animals but this was not an issue as everything was explained very well. It was one of the highlights of my life. The experience overall was a 10/10, it was very tough work especially as we had less volunteers than usual, but it is a time I will never stop talking about.

This experience with Oyster was amazing. I felt really safe because I was taking care of. If you have any questions, you can ask the staff and they will help you within a minute. I can't wait to do another trip with this company.

A great experience with Oyster from start to finish! Georgie was very communicative from the point at which I first booked and was very helpful and quick to answer any questions. In Romania, the local manager Razvan couldn’t have been more helpful and lovely, it really felt like he went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly and that we really enjoyed the time in Braşov. Volunteering with the bears was a wonderful experience - we were mostly preparing their food or painting fences but we were never far from the bears and got to see a lot of them every single day. I visited for one week and am hoping to return again for two or more!

This trip was really nice and the people so nice to my son and I. I want to thank you. And hope you can also let them know how wonderful it was. Hope Costa Rica will be as great as the people we met in Sri Lanka. The boss was such a kind person.

You won’t find anything else like this in Australia. If you’re an international traveller and want a dream year abroad with horses, these are the people to make it happen. From the staff in the office, to the trainers, to the Sydney team – nothing is a problem. I loved learning how Australians do horses, you don’t necessarily expect it to be that different but it’s the small things like using rope halters, stepping down off young green horses instead of jumping, riding in stock saddles correctly and then there is so much we learned from watching mind-blowing breaking and educating clinics. This is something I have paid lots of money for before and we had so many clinics – talk about value for money! I loved it, wish I could have stayed longer at this beautiful homestead – my riding style as changed already. My job at one of the top yearling prep thoroughbred studs in Australia however is just as exciting – we’re off to the Magic Millions sales in January – a once in a lifetime experience! – THANK YOU!!!

Today is my first day off and though I am sore I am so happy! The farm is great and I’m so thankful for everything you helped with to make this such a smooth transition ❤️ I have some pics of Sally and I from our week! Port Stephens was really fun! Sand boarding (and saw some horses galloping on the beach!) ..Sydney was great as well - we had a nice night with our group on Saturday before we ended! :D thank you for everything!

A friend and I booked this trip together as a chance to volunteer with animals whilst getting to discover and explore a new country and culture, and the trip for exceeded our expectations - we loved spending time at the cat sanctuary and being able to explore a new country and all it had to offer from fantastic food to history & culture, Barcelona was beautiful

I spent my winter season working for whistler ski school support staff and loved it. The accommodation was basic but it doesn’t matter cause whistler is an amazing place not only for skiing but also socially.

My time as a ski instructor for children was nothing short of amazing, as it proved to be a transformative journey both personally and professionally. Guiding young enthusiasts through the thrilling world of skiing was not just a job but a joyous adventure filled with laughter, excitement, and boundless energy. Witnessing the sheer delight on the faces of children as they conquered the slopes and developed a love for the sport was incredibly rewarding. As I dedicated myself to imparting not only skiing skills but also fostering a sense of confidence and camaraderie among the kids, I found my own passion for teaching flourishing. The experience was further elevated by the fact that I successfully my CSIA level 2 during this time. Each day on the slopes was a testament to the power of shared enthusiasm and the profound impact that positive mentorship can have on young minds, making my time as a ski instructor an unforgettable chapter in my life.

I didn’t expect to be pampered! I expected to be challenged, to be exposed to new things and nudged out of my comfort zone. I expected my thinking to expand, and it did…but in addition, my heart grew by 100 times! I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a life game-changer. I am a better person because of saying yes to this opportunity!

The first days were brilliant !So happy with the group I’ve got we’re all keeping in contact! The training week was such a laugh!! I’m on my first day at my new job I arrived here Saturday afternoon. I got the job I wanted doing mustering which won’t start for a month or so but got loads of horses to start backing and got a rodeo to set up for two weeks time as they are hosting one! So pretty excited about that!

I have loved my two weeks here volunteering at the project. Sri Lanka is so beautiful, and it has been amazing to see a small part of such a beautiful country. Everyone is so friendly and very welcoming. I have enjoyed getting to know both stall and fellow volunteers alike. The time is balanced well between conservation surveys, elephant observation and escaping the heat with downtime reading a book or simply just enjoying the surroundings. Although we did not see any elephants during the daily visits to the corridor, our daily conservation surveys have been filled with other wildlife. I loved learning about the smaller native animals and especially enjoyed the butterfly surveys. Our visits to the national parks were incredible, and elephants were in abundance. It is very special being able to observe them in the way in which this project allows. I am truly grateful for these magical moments. 10 years ago, I volunteered for the first time and have been waiting ever since to be able to do it again. This afternoon, we visited the national park again, and we saw 45 elephants. Some came quite close, some were in big herds, and we even saw a baby feeding!!. It was the most breathtaking afternoon; I can not put into words my gratitude for being able to be here. These two weeks have been one of the best experiences of my life and I leave feeling very blessed and content. Thank you again. I am very glad and beyond happy I chose the experience. My time here has gone way too fast for my liking, and I wish I was staying longer but it has been nothing but a positive beginning to the end. I am very appreciative of this opportunity. Thank you to everyone at the field house to those that take us out every day and to the organizers.

I’m LOVING life here in Australia. We had a nice opening week where I met the group in Noosa and we explored the beaches and nature walk together, and then left for the training farm. I learned a lot while at the farm, and found the instructors to be very patient and helpful! Now I work for a Livestock and Property salesman in Cloncurry, Queensland! Hope all is well on your end, and thank you so much for helping me put this together! Xx

I had a wonderful time in Portugal. I learned so much about food waste and met some amazing people. Thank you so much for your help in coordinating the whole experience, it made the process very smooth and comfortable for me.

It truly was a brilliant experience I will never forget and I have been telling people about it during my travels. Thanks again for all the help and a very well organised trip. When I do another project you will be the first people I will contact :)

Hi!! It’s amazing out here and everything went to smoothly regarding flights and pickup to get to the reserve! The staff are amazing and everyone gets on so well and life is very surreal right now! I am very happy and doing very well and excited for the 7 weeks ahead after having such an amazing first week!!

The team, (including the elephants) couldn’t have been more welcoming and understanding. I had a fantastic week. Such a wonderful group of people and elephants of course, so attentive in addressing my requirements and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you so much.

Getting involved with actual conservation work (night patrols, hatchery work, hatchling releases etc) was a great learning experience and so much fun. San Miguel beach was absolutely stunning. So tranquil and we definitely enjoyed the simple life of doing long walks by the beach every day and every night. The moonlight and the stars were so beautiful. The local food was so delicious and nutritious. Loved every aspect of this trip. It really is a trip of a lifetime. My tips would be to bring quick drying clothes, water shoes and mosquito repellant are a must. It is very hot and humid and you will be hand washing your laundry almost every day! The sun is great for drying clothes but be mindful of the downpours! I definitely felt that my holiday supported conservation. The project employed local staff to cook for us and they arranged for the transfers too. I hope our participation helped with their conservation efforts. I would highly recommend this project for people of all ages. Project staff were wonderful and very well organised.

My First week was very good! I‘ve made so many experiences. That‘s incredible. It was great that we had some introduction days first and went to school the first time on Tuesday. It was shocking to see the townships and the life there, but although they seemed to be happy and that‘s wonderful! I love the project and the children are so cute! It’s Perfect that I can coach and teach. The first days were sometimes a hard because of my homesickness and because everything is new and I didn‘t know anybody here. But I know that in a few weeks it will feel more like home here!

Oh where to begin: Oyster Worldwide were brilliant in organising the trip to the Bear Project in Romania and there was great support from both the UK and Romania. I went for 2 weeks. I was given a really useful orientation in Brasov and the Bear Sanctuary prior to helping out there. The flat is situated in the old Town. The flat is fully equipped for cooking and cleaning and really modern and comfortable. It’s easy to find your way around the Old Town and there are many many fantastic restaurants providing both European and local dishes. I thought the prices were very reasonable too. You must try the ice cream (and cakes and stews, pasta dishes and chocolates). I did revisit a couple of restaurants where the food was excellent. Volunteering at the Bear Sanctuary is an absolute joy, there are SO many bears to enjoy. The work involved painting fences, the weather was hot and dry, so ideal for that. I also made Bear ice cream and sorted out the different types of food for the bears. Take old clothes and gloves as you can get a bit messy, part of the fun. The staff at the sanctuary were all very friendly and helpful. Brasov is wonderful, so many beautiful buildings and the Countryside is great. So many trees and open spaces. Bliss. The local people were very friendly and I got to try out my very limited Romanian. It was definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done. I can whole heartedly recommend it!

I’m absoloutely in love with Sydney! I have made so many new friends and had such a great time during the trips last week. Surfing was so awesome that I already booked another surfcamp. I had a meeting today with Patrick, a lovely staff member, and he helped me a lot with my CV. Tomorrow I’ll have another meeting with him. Thank you for all of your help, this is a dream for me!!

The first week has gone well and only got a few more days to go. It’s been amazing working with the conservation team and the turtles! Unforgettable experience! As far as feedback goes… never expected the project to be so intense and be so sleep deprived as much as I love this project! I am here with another solo traveller and we are getting along nicely. The Conservation Researchers are very nice and have integrated us into the station house with chores etc! All fun!

Living the dream! It’s been fab so far. Weather hasn’t been great but we’ve been kept entertained on no sea days, wine tasting, trips out etc. I’ve been feeding the penguins daily, cage dived with Bronze Whaler sharks and watched Southern Right whales breaching. We’ve also had informative lectures, even one on wine! Loving every minute!

Working with the elephants was so rewarding. The work was hard but every minute was worth it. My tips to other travellers would be take old clothes, you will get wet and dirty every day. Gloves are important! You’ll work hard but it is worth it. If you go for more than one week, I suggest you have a go at both sides of the WFFT volunteer program – Wildlife and Elephants. I absolutely felt that my holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts and supported conservation so I would highly highly recommend this trip!

I’m doing great, I’m really enjoying my time here with Oyster Worldwide. The work can feel like a lot with the heat and humidity, but the payout of the animal’s welfare is worth the effort. Thank you!

Everything went very well, the staff were great and of course the elephant experience was second to none! Daily work was hard, especially “harvest” but very worthwhile. Transfer from Bangkok was faultless and driver v. friendly. Accommodation was fine: we were expecting basic, but had own bathroom which was great. Lots of v. useful info on My Oyster system, this helped us prepare properly. Katie was very welcoming and the tour on day 1 was fascinating, as was hearing from the founder (Edwin). Project staff were great and v approachable. Highlight has to be feeding/showing elephants! Preparing their “enrichments” was fun too. Waking up to the sound of birds and monkeys was unreal. Dogs that live on site were v sweet. Many of the volunteers are young, don’t worry about age gap…just throw yourselves into it…feeding elephants before breakfast is great, even if it is an early start! Take lots of mosquito repellent! Treat even small scratches with antiseptic cream to prevent infection …pharmacies can sell antibiotics over the counter if needed. The village has a couple of places selling nice coffee! Go on the trip to the bat cave + market: The bats are extraordinary. Take lots of photos! It’s given our daughter some gap year ideas…many of the volunteers are on a gap year travelling around SE Asia. And interesting to talk to about their experiences. Made us think about going back to that part of the world next year!

I’m really fine! The people here, both the volunteers and the staff, are so kind and nice all the time. The activities are also fun and I could already spend time with the vet, what is absolutely amazing! Very happy to be here, really enjoying it. I could always count on the service and the help of Anne or Georgie. The information to the project were more than detailed and helped me a lot.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday? Following the feeding round on the last day at the bear sanctuary watching the bears enjoying the “ice-cream” and meat I had prepared the day before! 2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday? Take waterproofs with you at all times for summer storms. In food prep area: 2 pairs thick black rubber gloves, comfy waterproof (hiking) boots you can hose down at the end of each day, black sack to put personal possessions in and protect from spillages & flies, make sure you have voice control on phone so you can answer without having to take off gloves & wash hands. 3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation? Yes, it freed regular staff to do other work. The sanctuary is committed to minimising impact on environment while providing sanctuary for the bears. Tourism is a vital part of the Romanian economy but there were few other visitors from western Europe. I bought all my presents from their shop. The driver who took me to the sanctuary and back every day was happy with his fee (included in the cost), gave me the chance to really get to know a Romanian and we had very interesting chats on a variety of subjects though the discussion on causes of climate change on the first morning, when I was still half asleep, certainly woke me up! He was a bit sceptical about Man being the primary cause! 4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall? A wonderful experience!

The entire project and everyone involved with it provided a first-rate service throughout the trip and it proved to be a truly remarkable experience for me and my family. We felt fully prepared about what to expect and were able to ask questions throughout – always getting a full and swift response. Nick at the flight centre was excellent, especially when the Malaysian Airline website kept crashing and organised seating, special assistance and private transfers for us in KL which really helped. Georgie has been a great support throughout, and I felt I could trust her to ensure our trip would run smoothly. Mark in Malaysia is a formidable guy, an excellent educator, passionate conservationist and 100% dedicated to the work they are doing on the ground. He is infectious and brings out the best from every volunteer on the project. I must particularly praise the patience and kindness with which he supported our son with learning disabilities – Mark made him feel valued and as such he was able to make his own contributions to the project. There were so many magical moments but seeing a mother and baby orangutan, in the wild, at close quarters will take some beating! Also for the sheer hilarity that ensued – the boat breaking down late afternoon in a croc infested river led to the most incredible wildlife observation experiences of the trip. Grasp that nettle and do it. It will be like nothing else you’ve ever down as a family before and from it you will get to observe the different relationships between your children, see their own interests develop and emerge, meet incredible people and have a school vacation like no other! It has given us a time together that we might not otherwise have had. I was really keen to help my children understand a little bit about the world around them, especially after the impact of Covid. This experience has absolutely provided that, it has pushed them outside of their comfort zone, got them away from the constant pinging of phones and given them a new perspective on the opportunities that are available to make a positive contribution to the world.

My first week has been amazing – i’m having a brilliant time! It is all very well organised and as expected. The pre-departure pack was also very helpful, I felt well prepared when I arrived so was able to settle in quickly. I have already seen and done so many exciting things and i’m very excited for the weeks ahead!

The project was amazing. I really liked working with the kids. It is great to have the variety of different ways to help the kids. I did coaching, teaching and childcare and it was nice to see everything so it never gets boring or the same. That was perfect! The Garden Route at the end was the perfect ending. In total I really liked the whole time and it was amazing. Thank you for everything!

I’ve been having such an incredible time! I’m thoroughly enjoying everything and really enjoy getting to know the people in the house, learn more Spanish and about the wildlife and turtles ? I’m really loving the whole experience and being able to volunteer/help with a lovely bunch of people! :)

It was a great experience – really well organised. Kate answered every query so promptly before the trip. Friendly people at the Casa and the night patrols were fun and interesting – I learnt a lot. Brilliant trip all round!

It was all brilliant. Being able to play a small part in the wellbeing and recovery of the wolves was a huge privilege. The centre itself is set amongst beautiful surroundings and life in the shared cabin was great fun. Also having the opportunity to explore further afield at weekends was also great. Thank you Oyster Worldwide for a wonderful and memorable experience.

Just back from an incredible experience at the game reserve in South Africa. I had two weeks over there and definitely wish I’d gone for longer. As I’m 17 I was one of the youngest in the group of volunteers but that didn’t matter at all because everyone was really welcoming and we had lots of fun. The accommodation and food was all great and I did lots of different activities across the two weeks all across the reserve. The staff at the reserve were all really friendly and helpful, and they helped booking weekend activities for me which was an amazing bungee jump. The My Oyster portal was really helpful before I went as it gave me so much information and Kate was great at making sure I had all the right paperwork as I was classed as a minor travelling alone. I would love to do a similar experience again in the future and would use Oyster again as they made the organisation of it all so easy.

I enjoyed my trip to Thailand a lot. It was hard work (and long hours), but with great people. I had a lot of fun caring for the elephants and the other animals at the sanctuary. The staff were very friendly and helpful. My room was comfortable (if basic) and I shared with three others. My advice to people thinking about this project would be to go for it, but to remember to bring decent footwear you don’t mind ruining (feet will be wet a lot of the time) and plenty of insect repellent!

Just a short note to say thanks for your help in organising the three week project for Alex in Estoril. He had a good time, learned a lot, made some friends and generally enjoyed it. On top of that, it is always great to be able to be part of a social enterprise project too. As [his father] I was a bit nervous beforehand (and during when he lost his phone and money) but your support both here and on the ground really helped. I hope this experience will benefit him if and when he goes to Uni and beyond. Hopefully he will go on another one next year.

I always wanted to spend some time in Australia and it was my biggest dream to combine it with horse work. The programme helped me to make my dream come true! There was a lot to learn during the training week and the trainers really took their time to explain and show everything to us. We were taught in a small group and all of our questions were answered - and believe me, we had lots of them. ;) After the training week it was time for the real job - and the preparation week came in really handy for it. It's hard work and of course you get dirty, but I loved every second of it - the people, the horses, the landscape and the weather! If you love horses and have horse experience, then this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn't miss out on!

Learned a huge amount in the training week about the way horses are kept and trained in Australia while getting to experience the way they manage a working farm as well. Very kind people and very welcoming! Everything was organised and I got to work at a place where again I learned a huge amount while enjoying the Australian weather and the amazing people!

We all really enjoyed the project, the best part of our trip to Africa. We felt prepared for the time there although the list of what to take was a bit out of tune with what was actually needed, so took some things around for several weeks unnecessarily. Like mosquito nets as not sure when or if they get mosquitoes, although in the summer I think it is useful for all mopani flies! Snacks .. we took snacks from UK but actually the local supermarkets have lots of biscuits, nuts and most things you would like. Otherwise the kit list was great! Out of our travels away it was the part we all enjoyed the most and yet before we left the UK it what we were most apprehensive about. All the people we corresponded with were helpful. When we met Rachel for a pre-departure info slot she was so helpful and responsive to my daughter and her worries, changing plans to accommodate her which made a real difference to her enjoying the trip. Fabio was so informative and ran the project to give us the best experience of the elephants and the habitat they were in. We learnt a great deal about the people, country and animals. All in all a fantastic, memorable time!

It’s an incredible opportunity that’s I’m so glad I’ve had. You get brilliant support the whole time you’re there and lots of experience working with horses which is always fun. It’s very exciting to be able to be abroad but also have the support of the program to help if you need it. I’ve had the best time and would highly recommend to anyone who’s interested!

My daughter and I spent a wonderful week in Romania volunteering at the Libearty Bear sanctuary in Brasov. Everything was so well organized from start to finish. This program is so finely tuned, we can only compliment and applaud Oyster. The local director, Razvan, goes above and beyond expectations to ensure a rewarding, fun and safe experience. Our accommodations were great and so close to Old Town Brasov with its many historic sites, restaurants and stores. We had plenty of free time to sightsee in Brasov and surrounding area the weekend before starting and after work in the afternoons/evenings. We were driven to and from the volunteer site each day. Our work involved sorting through and preparing food for the bears. While it was somewhat messy at times the work days are broken up into manageable shifts and included a guided tour of the sanctuary and a free morning to watch the bear feedings. We consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to see so many bears up close. We learned a lot about brown bears and how and why the sanctuary was started. We highly recommend this amazing Oyster program!

Jacks mum here. He has already done so much on the reserve, made lots of friends, done loads of different things. His high points last week were the game drives and also loved clearing all the trees with a machete! He had an amazing weekend travelling across to Jeffreys Bay and staying in a surfers backpacking hostel and then travelled to do the world’s highest bridge bungee jump. I was both worried and proud at the same time when he sent me the video. I heard from him today that he had been to a school in a local township and as a group they bought the kids food and made them lunch then played with them and he bought them a football. He said it was an amazing experience. It’s safe to say that this has been a real experience for him and a real eye opener. I already have my youngest asking to do something similar so I’ve said he can when he’s 17 too so we’ll definitely be using Oyster again as the whole thing has been so well organised and given Jack such a great time – thank you for this!

My first week went well, whilst there’s a lot to learn, I’m really enjoying it. I’m starting to recognise and understand different things now. The staff are all really nice people, they’ve definitely made the stay really great. South Africa as a nation is really nice as well, and the culture is both different and similar to the UK (I think, at least in some ways). I think so far, it has to be one of my favourite places; I’d definitely like to return and see more at some point.

The last few weeks I have been travelling around South East Asia with Oyster Worldwide, completing my Gold The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

 This has been a truly once in a lifetime experience, meeting many new people from all around the world and learning about the Asian culture and lifestyle.

 From volunteering at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chaing Mai, Thailand to partying on a yacht in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, I enjoyed every second of it. 

 Oyster Worldwide have been super professional and helpful throughout the whole experience and made a complex and daunting trip, a breeze in the park!

I just got back home yesterday! I had the best time on my trip and I was so sad to be leaving. Thank you for all of the help you provided, everything went smoothly and I might even return in the future!

We had a very special experience at this project, one that we will hold in our hearts forever and one we hope to repeat one day. I found all of the pre-travel information easy to access and very informative. Safe to say we entered this experience with some trepidation never having been to South Africa or done this sort of thing before, but I felt so well prepared and even better, fully supported every step of the way. I loved the My Oyster portal where I could collect all the information in one place at my own pace. You were responsive to my questions, the transition to SA team was painless and we had all the information we needed at every step. The experience itself was like nothing else. Travelling with children (11 and 8) on my own to a country I only knew through what the media has shown me was, I was on high alert but as soon as we arrived and met the team, I relaxed knowing I had nothing to worry about. We were going to be safe and that was such a relief (and quite rare for me!). The family who run the business were so welcoming, easy going yet exuded a sense of professional strength. It was well organised, clean (as best it can be being in the African bush!) and easy to fit into. The biggest surprise I think for all of us, was how well the children adapted. Their abilities were considered but also encouraged and I witnessed them step into their own in a way I could never have imagined back in the UK. The variety of tasks we were given was interesting and the education we received along the way was well received. I think our favourite part was being able to get out into the community and witness and get involved in the work they do. Actually, if you asked the girls, their favourite part was playing with the rabbits and guinea pigs with Sophia! It’s a very special place and the whole experience was seamless. I totally switched off and relaxed which is really hard for me to do but I knew I was in safe hands and everything was taken care of. So thank you, I hope to be in a position to book another adventure through you one day. We are definitely explorers now!

The work at the sun bear centre was more varied than I had expected, and we worked more closely with the bears than I had hoped. Being a part of the process of rehabilitation, especially in regards of three young bears at the centre was amazing. I created a dry cage for them, watched them take their first steps into the jungle and later on saw them climbing trees, foraging and playing out in their rain-forest enclosure. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the process of rehabilitation and the biodiversity in the rainforest.

We would highly recommend this project to anyone wanting an ethical and wholesome experience. A++ . We are enjoying ourselves and working hard for the cause! The people who manage this place are so kind and caring and such hard workers. They go out of their way to assist and make it the best experience for you. It feels like one big family when you volunteer here. It has been a very rewarding experience and so nice to be able to help out to these precious baboons, Guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, cat , chickens and even Lemon the friendly turkey! We cannot forget the adorable Bush Baby. We loved this experience and it will be a memory we will cherish the rest of our lives!!!

I had a WONDERFUL time at the wolf sanctuary! I loved the wolves, the sanctuary staff were lovely, I made some great new friends and even saw fireflies for the first time. It was the perfect adventure after years of covid!

New Zealand is incredible. I am loving every moment, especially the conservation. The people that I met on my short time on the trip became a little Nz family to me and I’m very sad to be going. The work was rewarding, fast paced and fun but the other activities and fun days we also did make it completely worth it! Living in a house with just other volunteers was daunting at first but it was a really fantastic expensive and I have made some lifelong friends and memories. Many thanks for all your help!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday? Seeing the bears and how they live in the sanctuary 2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday? Take a bit more money , than it says in the holiday information , as prices have gone up a lot. Be prepared to work and get dirty. 3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation? My working holiday benefited the sanctuary and the animals within, as we prepared the food. The out of date food would have otherwise been dumped, but is used by the sanctuary, reducing environmental impact. 4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall? It was an excellent holiday and I felt well supported by the guide out there.

Thank you so much for checking in on me. My first week was definitely exceeded my expectation. Everything about being here still feels unreal. I am really enjoying my time here so far. It wasn’t hard to get used to everything as I thought it would be as well as all the people I met, everyone has been really welcoming. Oyster has been very helpful to me throughout this whole process and I felt very well prepared for my trip. Thank you so much for that.

If anyone is considering this experience, don’t hesitate, it’s brilliant. I had never done anything like it before, and had never visited Africa, but I enjoyed every second and hated having to leave. (And by the way, I’m 68 and found everything completely do-able). But it was really good to be able share the experience with a group of older people, as well as mixing with the younger, longer-term volunteers. Please organise more trips like this!

Mark is an amazing project leader, so intelligent and passionate. Our teammates are awesome, too. We’ve all bonded. The tree planting is coming along, and we’ve seen many wonderful animals during the program.

We did everything from removing invasive plants to planting seedlings. It was a great chance to explore Christchurch & help at the same time. The following week we drove to Punakaiki where we planted some 600 trees. We were right on the beach and I got a chance to run a couple miles and jump in the ocean right after volunteering was over. I have never seen such amazing stars as I did while I was there. It felt as though you could pluck them out of the sky. Thanks for helping me put all of this together

I’m so sorry that I haven’t gotten back to you earlier… But I guess it proves my point when I say that I’m really enjoying my stay here!! I can’t believe I only have a couple of says left, time flies when you’re having fun I really am having/had the best time, I got to see so many cool things and meet incredible people! Thanks so much for organising this for me.

I am really enjoying it here and I’m learning very much. All the people are very nice and it’s easy to fall into a routine here. I am actually enjoying it so much, that I’m thinking about extending the trip for another week!

I had a wonderful time in Ecuador. As of now, I have extended my travel and am currently on a two week vacation in the Galapagos. Thank you so much for the guidance and help during my stay. It felt safe having someone watching my back!! ECUADOR

I’ve been quite busy exploring! The surf camp was amazing – I got to feed the stingrays at the beach which was fab – even if it was a little scary. It’s actually been pretty rainy the past few days, the locals all seem quite pleased with all the rain, which is a change compared to the UK. I’m doing well, I have completed my RSA qualification so I can work in hospitality. The work team have been really helpful!

This is an incredible experience. I’ve met some amazing people, I’m now extending my stay to explore Cape Town which is also incredible! From the moment I enquired to the moment I returned my project manager Georgie has been so helpful. I will for sure book another trip with you soon. Thank you!

So far, South Africa has been great, the work we do here really makes me feel like I’m making an impact. The Oyster Worldwide staff and other volunteers couldn’t be nicer and I feel like we’ve already created a bond

Loved the whole experience. Being so close to the animals was amazing, every day we went on game drives including sunset and sun rise. The rangers were so knowledgable and passionate and were more than happy to share this with us. The most dramatic was being within a few feet of 3 lions. The accomodation for us was lovely. We had twin bedded rooms with lots of storage space. The showers were modern and powerful And all areas were spotless. The work involved was at times challenging including tree cutting, cacti clearance, invasive plant removal and fence maintainance. There was no pressure to do anything but most tasks were great fun. It was hard sometimes in the heat and factor 50 is a must as is large water bottles. The wifi was generally very good but there are very regular power cuts that disrupts it. The food was generally good and filling but a little limited on variety and fresh fruit. Definatly dont take any new clothes with you they will get dirty but there is a laundry service. It is fair to say that things move at a different pace so dont expect things to happen immediatly, there are times when the systems seem disorganised for example not knowing what activity is planned in advance but there are good reasons for this even if it does seem frustrating at the time. I found oysters pre departure service excellent and the information provided really helpful, that attention to detail continued during my stay with emails and even a post adventure advice email once home again. I wouldnt hesitate to use oyster again and just wish I had gone for longer.

I absolutely loved the ranger course and would highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for animals, nature and Africa! Getting to drive around in the safari jeeps (yep, you're behind the steering wheel!), experiencing breathtaking encounters with the Big 5 and other magnificent African wildlife and at the same time learning the ins and outs of being a ranger/field guide. The interaction with fellow students and volunteers with whom you'll soon be friends for life, the time you spend in the reserve with the animals, the predator centre, the lovely Kwantu staff, party time during the weekends - there is simply not a boring moment in your 8 weeks in this course! At the end you'll have tons of new friends, an unforgettable experience to remember with a huge smile on your face, and an astonishing knowledge of African nature. On top of that, the FGASA level 1 certificate you will obtain allows you to work anywhere in Africa as a park ranger or safari guide!!!

I had a wonderful time on this projected and loved the whole thing. The work: it’s hot and this is hard work it’s also excellently balanced to as much work as you’d want to do in the heat. I enjoyed that we got to do several aspects of reforestation including maintaining previously planted trees, preparing plots for planting, and then the actual planting! I had honestly gone thinking that this would be much more work and less vacation but it still felt very much like a vacation with several hours of “working” most days. The project crew provides great instruction. The lodging: this was lovely and more developed than I expected. Although there were occasionally power outages they were short and the bed and breakfast was lovely. In the community: I very much appreciated that the program tried to ensure that the local community benefited from our tourism. We often are in local homes, did a cooking classes, and helped with a conservation class at the school (which ended with a fierce game of a dodgeball like game!). Malaysia: I hadn’t ever been but felt very safe and was a delightful place to travel. Organization: the organization on the ground was wonderful and responsive to the needs of participants. They are clearly invested in conservation in Malaysia (and specifically in the Kinabatangan) and making sure that conservation includes the local people. I very much appreciated them. Oyster was also great. Well prepared and responsive. Know that it’s hot and there are periods of hard work but it is an amazing trip!!

If you have an interest in Bear’s this is one of the most amazing trips you will go on in Romania. You get to meet over 100 bears & work with them. You will also get to meet other animals there as well. You will stay in the beautiful town of Brasov where there is so much sightseeing you can do & so many different places to visit. It is a very beautiful & amazing place to visit. Oyster worldwide were an amazing company to go with as they support you right from the very moment you book, they can organise your flights as well as lots of other things. They are there for you throughout your trip & support you on your return home. The one thing I would say is just go with an open mind & don’t put any expectations on the trip, just go with & have the most amazing adventure of a lifetime.

I spent 4 weeks in Portugal, it was amazing. It was the best experience of my life. You should stay 4 weeks because 2 weeks it's not enough. The site is great, the people there too. Thanks to those who allowed me to do that. I want to go back there.

I really enjoyed my experience with Oyster Worldwide. I'd never booked a volunteering project on my own, so I was grateful at how friendly, welcoming and helpful the team were. They were regularly in contact and redirected me to someone who could help with booking flights when I was struggling to find a good one. I booked for a week at an animal sanctuary and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Oyster provided airport transfers, which made the whole thing a lot less scary! I'd never been to the country before or travelled alone, so this was very reassuring. When I arrived at my accommodation, a guide was there to greet me. He had also brought me a welcome meal, which I greatly appreciated as it was really late by the time I'd arrived, meaning there was no time for me to do any shopping. Essentials were provided in the apartment. These included: washing up liquid, toilet roll, hand wash, towels and washing powder. I thought that this was an unexpected but nice touch, as I ideally didn't want to waste money on buying these things if I was only there for a week. The accommodation was really safe, quiet and comfortable. A few other volunteers shared with me, which was nice for the social aspect. I was also given the opportunity to go visit some iconic places whilst I was there, one of which transport was provided by Oyster. After the weekend, I began my experience at the sanctuary. Oyster arranged for a driver to pick us up and bring us back to the accommodation every day. We started work at 9am and finished around half 2 in the afternoon. One volunteer would be in charge of a phone given to us by the guide, which he used to stay in contact with us whilst we were at the sanctuary. If there was ever a problem, the guide sorted it out immediately. Whilst I would've liked to spend more time at the sanctuary, what work we did do was rewarding and fun. The sanctuary allowed us to embark on the feeding tour too, which was amazing. We got to see a lot of what the tourists didn't, which felt special and worth every penny. My only regret is that I didn't stay longer!

Had an amazing time! Absolutely loved every minute of my two weeks and wish I was there for longer! Everyone you meet is lovely and all of the other volunteers are fantastic, have made lots of new friends all over the world now. Was an incredibly rewarding placement and I’d go back in an instant!

I had a spare 2 weeks in my travelling plans and emailed Oyster World Wide explaining I loved to travel, loved all animals and wanted to volunteer somewhere that made a difference. I received an email a few hours later with lots of ideas and projects that suited my time frame and the rough areas I was already travelling in. I only booked my oyster worldwide volunteering project a couple of weeks before the start date but they were fantastic from start to finish, answering any questions usually within hours of me sending emails or proving me with information packs that gave very in depth details and information about the project so I felt prepared and ready by the time the start date came. The project itself was a fantastic experience. I have travelled extensively over the years but this was by far one of the most exciting, rewarding and fun experiences of all my travels. We had great accommodation, simple, basic and came with a few “creatures” but was more than what we needed and actually much better than I had imagined. We had a weekly food budget but shared our cooking within the group to make the budget stretch. Each morning we worked in teams directly with the animals, helping to hide food for them and clean their night time enclosures. This was hard work but made fun by music, the friendly and fun staff and made all the worthwhile once you learnt the stories of each animals and how they came to be at the sanctuary. We then had a lunch break in the heat which was time for ourselves to relax, play games, swim in the river, take a much needed nap or spend time with the animals. Each afternoon was different. We got to participate in releasing wild animals back in the wild, special moments I’ll never forget, create enrichments for the animals (hidden food or creating puzzles for them to keep them challenged), painting inside and outside enclosures and daily maintenance. Our evenings were free time. We spent them doing a night time jungle walk, spotting many different animals and plants, swimming in the river (watch out for crocs- we didn’t see any), playing games, cooking and eating together, watching movies and getting to know each other. You will meet many people of different ages and walks of life, each on their own adventure. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and make new friends. I went on to explore Singapore with the girls in my house after the project. We had 2 days off during the project where we relaxed at the beach and enjoyed a local festival. If you love to travel, experience new cultures and places, love animal and want to give something back then I couldn’t recommend Oyster World Wide enough. I am already planning next year’s adventure.

I had a spare 2 weeks in my travelling plans and emailed Oyster World Wide explaining I loved to travel, loved all animals and wanted to volunteer somewhere that made a difference. I received an email a few hours later with lots of ideas and projects that suited my time frame and the rough areas I was already travelling in. I only booked my oyster worldwide volunteering project a couple of weeks before the start date but they were fantastic from start to finish, answering any questions usually within hours of me sending emails or proving me with information packs that gave very in depth details and information about the project so I felt prepared and ready by the time the start date came. The project itself was a fantastic experience. I have travelled extensively over the years but this was by far one of the most exciting, rewarding and fun experiences of all my travels. We had great accommodation, simple, basic and came with a few “creatures” but was more than what we needed and actually much better than I had imagined. We had a weekly food budget but shared our cooking within the group to make the budget stretch. Each morning we worked in teams directly with the animals, helping to hide food for them and clean their night time enclosures. This was hard work but made fun by music, the friendly and fun staff and made all the worthwhile once you learnt the stories of each animals and how they came to be at the sanctuary. We then had a lunch break in the heat which was time for ourselves to relax, play games, swim in the river, take a much needed nap or spend time with the animals. Each afternoon was different. We got to participate in releasing wild animals back in the wild, special moments I’ll never forget, create enrichments for the animals (hidden food or creating puzzles for them to keep them challenged), painting inside and outside enclosures and daily maintenance. Our evenings were free time. We spent them doing a night time jungle walk, spotting many different animals and plants, swimming in the river (watch out for crocs- we didn’t see any), playing games, cooking and eating together, watching movies and getting to know each other. You will meet many people of different ages and walks of life, each on their own adventure. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and make new friends. I went on to explore Singapore with the girls in my house after the project. We had 2 days off during the project where we relaxed at the beach and enjoyed a local festival. If you love to travel, experience new cultures and places, love animal and want to give something back then I couldn’t recommend Oyster World Wide enough. I am already planning next year’s adventure.

I had a really great time as a volunteer teaching assistant at a school in Coyhaique, Chile. I was teaching a huge range of ages (4-17) and it was great to be able to interact with classes at various stages of their English development. The teachers I was supporting were amazing and very eager for the help, particularly with the younger years and keeping their interest. I absolutely loved my time living with my host family as they were so welcoming. Being able to speak a little Spanish already definitely helped my integration but they were also incredibly helpful in helping me improve and understanding of my many mistakes! Coyhaique in itself is a smallish town with not too much to offer however there are two national parks surrounding it with some good hikes. It is easy to travel out of Coyhaique by bus (just book in advance) either going north or south and getting to Balmaceda airport is also simple should you wish to go further afield. Having people on the ground in Coyhaique was encouraging as you knew you had support should you need it but we didn't interact much. The Spanish lessons were fine but I feel they would be more helpful to someone of a lower level, as for me, I just needed to practice speaking so the best thing was just being with my host family! Overall a good experience and I'm so glad I did it.

I volunteered at the brown bear sanctuary in Romania for a week in May 2019. The sanctuary is set in an amazing rural location in the mountains and has a welcoming dog brigade. I was impressed with the conditions provided at the sanctuary. My most memorable highlight of the project was observing the pleasure on the bears faces as they enjoyed taking a dip in the water. Brasov is a lovely town in a central location and the standard of accommodation provided by the project was excellent.

This trip was so much fun. You meet all of the other "oysters" in the airport and travel together meaning you sort of arrive with a few friends. oyster organise transport up to the resort and help you get set up with everything you need (E.G. SIN numbers and a bank account) they also guarantee staff housing which is so important in Whistler as it is hard to come by on your own. we all lived on the same corridor and got along so well. your living with like-minded people all working similar hours to you so you're never far away from a friend that wants to go skiing. If your working in Blackcomb or Whistler you get to ski to and from work, (for creekside workers its a short bus ride away). you'll meet people from all around the world and won't want to leave. Of the 30 oysters that went out my year, the majority are planning on returning to use the second year of our visas

I started off this journey without knowing what to expect but only what I could imagine. As much as Oyster organization could try to help me prepare for the trip, the overall experience definitely exceed my expectations. It was noted that there would be some culture shock, however, after getting through the first day I found myself fitting in very comfortably. Meeting new people, trying new things such as; their common food sheep head also known as smiley (definitely not for everyone, but don't knock it until you try it), some traditional African food, learning their language such as Afrikaans and Xhosa, and so many more. The whole experience taught me so much within the span of 5 weeks, it made me feel grateful for all that I have after seeing how happy the kids were with a little as they do have. The excitement they get just from the simple things really brought me joy. South Africa has so much to offer and I truly wish I had more time to experience everything, but this only means I will have to go back and experience it all. Huge thanks to Oyster Worldwide for allowing me to experience something that will be so memorable.

I had an amazing time in South Africa, working with the children and meeting some wonderful people. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone wanting to volunteer with children, whilst being able to explore an amazing country.

I went to South Africa with little confidence in myself and came back a whole new person! I loved every part of my stay in Port Elizabeth. Working with the kids in the schools teaching was so rewarding, as well as seeing their skills develop whilst coaching hockey... Their smiles when they achieve something made it all so worthwhile! I loved the accommodation and all living together and going out on weekend excursions such as safari’s and sky diving and many more amazing once in a lifetime experiences! The garden route trip was also fantastic at the end of the 3 months and I even ended up with a commemorative tattoo in Cape Town a few days before I came home. I truly believe i’ve come back a different person and have so many pictures and treasured memories.

My stay at Yanacocha Wildlife reserve was something I will treasure forever. Both the animals and the people have left their mark on my heart. I stayed there for 4 weeks and in that time I was able to experience releasing rehabilitated animals, assisting with the veterinary treatment of those in care, feeding and training of wildlife and of course the very entertaining interactions with the primates that are unable to be returned to the wild but live in the sanctuary. If you wanted to experience life in Ecuador including the local cuisine whilst making a difference than this program is for you and as a bonus you make friends that you will certainly have for life. I can not wait to get back to Yanacocha and do it all over again.

Olivia - Age 19 - Gap Year 2019 January course (looking back, I wish I could have done the November course so I would have been out there longer - But January was great too) I honestly cannot recommend this experience more!!!! (worth the money!) It was - no exaggeration - the best 3 months of my life Oyster worldwide were so helpful, I booked very late and they organised it all so quickly and easily for me. ---- All about the course (see below) ---- The Ski Instructor Academy (SIA) course: -- Instructors - So much fun and brilliant teaching -- Skiing - AMAZING, so much available. AND you are given a ski pass for the whole season in the area where you do the course - so can go back and ski when you are done teaching (sofa surfing or get own accommodation). -- Accommodation - Perfect for what you need. There was a variation - a big house with loads of people, or small apartments in one building and others. -- German side - If you want to learn, you can learn lots. If you want to scrape by, it is easy enough. -- People - Average ages 18-22, awesome people, from all over the world and lots from the UK. -- Exam - Well prepared and feel ready when exam comes. -- Apres - always good :) Teaching after the course: Different places to pick - Zell am See, St Anton, Salbach, and more I went to St Anton. Loads of young people working there. Fun teaching. Great Skiing and brill apres. Wish I could have stayed till the end of the season Was so sad to leave

In December 2018 I had the pleasure to spend 2 weeks on a Big 5 Conservation program in South Africa. I can honestly say, the weeks I spent there were some of the best weeks in my life - thanks to the place and the people there. The nature and wildlife are great. I can only recommend this trip to all nature lovers. The work you do is varied and rewarding. Sometimes, regarding the weather in the summer months, you feel exhausted from previous days, but – and I very appreciated this attitude – nobody is forced to work and you can stay back and relax enjoying the beautiful place. The volunteers feel free to go on the activities. Personally, I tried to participate in every activity as it makes fun to work with all the people together and you learn a lot from the rangers. (Almost all the work is conducted in the nature inside the reserve and many times you go on a game drive) When I left, I left not only this beautiful place and the (great !! and helpful) stuff there but also many new friends from all around the world. This experience was really amazing! Oysters Worldwide provided great support and did a great job. I was feeling more than very well prepared before leaving. I received all necessary information and prompt responses for all questions I had. They kept in touch with me during and after the trip to ensure that everything’s fine. So overall, I had the feeling that they really care about you and that you get the most out of your trip. A big thank to Oysters for providing me this unique opportunity. After this great experience I want to continue with travelling and volunteering around the world and now I first check if Oyster offers something I'm looking for.

Thanks to Oyster Worldwide for providing this beautiful project for me, I got to work closely with these amazing rescued animals from Thailand. Although their stories of what brought them to the sanctuary absolutely broke my heart, it filled me up knowing that they are at the sanctuary now and are being so well taken care of, and that I got to be a direct helping hand! This experience was so rewarding and nothing like I have experienced before. I got to meet so many people from around the world and form lasting relationships with both the volunteers and the staff. I miss everyone, including the animals, so much. I will definitely go back to both the country and the sanctuary.

Booking my trip to South Africa with Oyster Worldwide was the best way to go. I am 19 years old and had never travelled alone before, especially not to the other side of the world! And so, understandably, my parents were quite concerned for my safety and I was also very nervous about navigating through a completely foreign place. However, thanks to Oyster I actually didn't feel alone. Every aspect of my trip was organised, and no matter how silly or irrelevant the question may have seemed, Oyster (Georgie in particular!) gave me a thorough answer in no time at all. Even when Georgie was away I did not have to wait as one of her colleagues handled my problems. During the booking and planning of my trip and also during my time in South Africa, Oyster was only ever a phone call or email away. I am extremely grateful to Georgie and everyone at Oyster Worldwide for helping me to have the most incredible experience volunteering in South Africa. The actual experience in South Africa was once in a lifetime. It was very hard work, but there wasn't a second where I wasn't willing to do it. Although I was tired, hot, sweaty and sometimes doing tasks that aren't particularly exciting (for example, washing hundreds of mangos!) I never felt like I didn't want to do the work. This was for many reasons, firstly the people who you are surrounded by are all lovely - this includes the owners, the staff there and the other volunteers. Also, the work is so rewarding. I would wash mangos for the rest of my life if it meant I could see just one monkey or baboon go through the incredible rehabilitation process that this project provides. Watching primates who have been so poorly treated in life just completely come out of their shells and interact with other monkeys is an amazing sight to see. It's so rewarding to literally see the difference you are making to these animals' lives. Nothing is as beautiful as this. If you are considering taking part in this project then please do, the monkeys and baboons are so deserving of all of the help that volunteers provide.

The entire experience was life changing. Every activity was well planned with experienced staff. From the time we signed up with Oyster to the time l returned, the team was in contact with information.

My trips with Oyster changed my life. My agent, Georgie, looked after me and continues to support me like family. I booked 2 trips with Oyster, a South African Veterinary Experience and South African Game Ranger Course. Both have transformed my education, career path, and life dreams! I have never learned more in my entire life than what I learned on my Oyster trips. I could never thank Oyster enough!

I had just finished my A Levels and wasn’t sure whether uni was an option for me - so a gap year was on the cards. My friend and I had a passion for animals so decided to go on a trip to see some of the worlds most magnificent. After lots of research, Oysters promise of responsible travel and support was what made us sure they were the best company to go with. I went to South Africa for 4 weeks to volunteer as a wildlife conservationist with the Big 5. I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved the programme. I got to see and experience a culture and lifestyle I never thought possible, made life long friends all over the world and have memories to last a life time. Oyster provided non-stop support as soon as I applied until the very moment I returned home. It would take me a whole book to write all the amazing things I saw and experienced and why Oyster Worldwide was the best choice - cliché as it sounds, taking a gap year with Oyster was the best decision I have ever made and I cannot wait to get on a plane to another one of their awesome projects.

The information provided before the trip was informative and accurate, so I knew what to expect and it all happened as described. The transfers and pickups at all stages of the journey went smoothly - everyone involved turned up when they said they would and took me to the next stage of my journey. So, I felt safe and well taken care of. The magic of seeing baby turtles hatch and come out of the ground from their nest never left me - it was simply a delight. The privilege of seeing adult turtles come out of the sea and lay eggs also stayed with me for the whole month I was there and still gives me a warm feel now I am back. It was lovely walking along a sandy beach in the lovely Costa Rican climate. The people were great and the food cooked by two local women was good and they catered for all needs. If you wanted to go on trips or change you travel arrangements that would be organised for you. The gentle pace of things on the station was restorative and therapeutic. There was lots of down time when there was nothing specific to do so I was glad I had taken various activities with me to do. I did a lot of drawing and painting, reading, practicing my ukulele and trying to learn to juggle. The lack of internet access and phone contact I found a delight - it enabled me the escape from the world for a month. Once a week we went to the CREMA office where we could get internet access, however I was more interested in the lovely ice cream that could be bought from the nearby bakery - I usually had two during our 1+ hour visit along with buying a few snacks from one of the two tiny supermarkets there. I would definitely go back again if I can fit it in round all the other places I want to go to ….I will use Oyster again as the quality of there organisation was great and kept me feeling safe and well looked after

I would definitely recommend volunteering with elephants in Thailand, as I thought it was an incredible experience. The work is tough, and the living conditions aren't what you would expect from home, but all of it is worth it once you have the hands-on experience with these majestic animals, and have the feeling of giving back and as long as you expect to work hard, you won't be shocked. Also, the fellow volunteers were all lovely, because they were all like-minded and all in the same position, so I made lots of new friends. OysterWorldwide helped me book this experience I'll remember for the rest of my life and they are such a helpful company, with lots of other volunteering schemes across the world. Furthermore, the elephants are the best animal - do this volunteering 100%. I learnt so much from going outside my comfort zone, and challenging myself.

The Costa Rica trip was one of the most relaxing and rewarding experiences I have ever had. I grew as a person, learned a lot, and connected with people from around the world which was extremely touching. I handled hundreds of baby sea turtles, had eggs laid right into my hand by a mother sea turtle, played soccer with locals, and best of all, had plenty of time to lay on the beach and feel the warmth of the sun and the cool sea breeze. Costa Rica is an absolutely beautiful country with genuine and hardworking people. You will not regret spending your time there and you will not regret using Oyster to do so. They prepare you for every step of your journey; making you feel safe and taken care of.

I recently got back from spedning 4 weeks in South Africa where I did a pre-vet experience. I had the most amazing time whilst I was there and learnt so much. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Definitely a project I want to return to.

This was a well organized and fabulous opportunity to visit Uganda and provide some help at the rhino sanctuary. From the booking of the trip to organizing extra excursions to the actual volunteer opportunity. The accommodation, food and support provided exceeded my expectations

Once in a life time experience...I cannot even describe it to you. The organisation is just amazing. I always arrived to my destinations on time and my transfers were always there waiting for me. It was an organised trip so it was nice and relaxing for me. I was never stranded anywhere or had to worry about where I was because the transfers were so good and everybody was very helpful and friendly.

I dealt with Oyster Worldwide for my recent trip to the Romanian Bear Sanctuary as a volunteer. Oyster were very professional from my first contact with Anne, who rang me in Australia from the UK to speak about the program, to her emails keeping in contact before I left and when I arrived in Romania. Everything was organized for us from pick up at Bucharest airport, accommodation, daily transport to the sanctuary, excursion on weekends. Nothing was too much trouble when we ask staff for something. I would defiantly use them again.

This experience was certainly an unforgettable one. There is nothing quite like waking up and being able to cuddle a baby baboon. The atmosphere was incredible and all the volunteers are friendly, it feels like your own little community and people are always available if there's a problem. Anne at Oyster was amazing at putting me at ease in preparing for this trip. Being an unaccompanied minor, I was expecting a lot of stress but she happily answered all my queries and ensured the journey to be as stress free as possible. I honestly cannot recommend going here enough, the project is something you will never be able to appreciate fully until you're fully immersed in it.

Oyster With excellent communication, Oyster was very good in making me ready to go. There were all sorts of documents and items that I needed to take with me and before my departure, Oyster had ensured I had all of this. I felt comfortable and ready to go. I was put at ease as any questions I had were answered. Whilst the trip through oyster was quite expensive, the help provided before, during and after my trip over all areas/ topics was very much worth it. A couple of information points could do with updating though. Thank you! South Africa I spent three weeks volunteering in South Africa at a monkey and baboon rehabilitation centre. Working from 6:30/7 to 4 each day under the hot South African sun was by all means hard work but also one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The people I met there and the time I got to spend with the primates was priceless, making amazing connections with both people and primates alike. The centre relies on the work of the volunteers and does so much to help these great animals. The owners have an inspiring passion towards the project and I hope to return to the project again one day as it truly was an experience I’ll never forget.

From start to finish nothing was too much of a problem, there was no such thing as a silly question. I haven't travelled in years and it was the first time I had done it by myself. Oyster's UK office were superb at answering any question, inquiry or problem I had. They were exceedingly helpful and very easy to get in contact with. When I was out there I was looked after incredibly well and had the time of my life! Just wish it had lasted longer!

I had an absolutely incredible experience with Oyster Worldwide volunteering in South Africa. Everything was so well organized that I didn't have to worry about any of the logistics and could just concentrate on my project and making the most of my time abroad. The project itself was also amazing. Getting hands on veterinary experience in that unique of a setting was one of the best experiences of my life. And in addition to all that I met some incredible people while abroad that I still stay in touch with. None of this would have been possible without Oyster Worldwide so I'm forever grateful.

It was the best trip of my life! You get to meet so many new people and make some life long friends. Alongside this you get some incredible hands on experience with wild animals, and the rangers and vets are so informative - you will learn so much!

Working at the wildlife centre was an amazing experience, I made so many friends and learnt so much about animals and how to safeguard them! The centre was extremely ethical and oyster were supportive throughout the whole process. I would definitely recommend.

Visiting ACER for 4 weeks gave a very good view on the great work they were doing. I met lots of wonderful people doing highly important work for the community. The project had an organized and full schedule, so as a visiting volunteer I became mainly an observer. The project did not seem to have any plan, structure or interest in using the international volunteer resource, they had enough with keeping their project going, something I respect and understand. I am happy to have been at ACER, it was an experience for life being with all these great people in their local community

Couldn’t have asked for more from Oyster and their team, they went above and beyond to provide the best experience possible. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody who loves animals and wants to do something worthwhile and of benefit to the bears.

My experience with Oyster's Australian outback farming was outstanding. The help and organization I received from the project manager and the team was beyond helpful, made going abroad for the first time seem very realistic and safe - a peace of mind for my parents! The holiday in Noosa was perfect for getting over jet lag and making friends with the other participants of the program - friends I still keep in contact with even after a year! And the training farm was fun and interactive, I tried many things I never would have otherwise, and this was probably the most valuable when it came to working at my job placement. The job offer I took was for a remote Queensland cattle station and hay farm run successfully by a small family. I learned and improved my skills with tractors and irrigation mainly, and got over my fear of cows. It was hard work, long days that never seemed to end from breakfast to cleaning up after dinner, but putting it into perspective, it was a true experience of farming in the outback life. We were not worked like slaves, but rather treated as equals. I was more than well fed, and well accommodated with my own room and bathroom. I did 4 months, before I continued on to traveling, and would not change a thing. I recommend Oyster to anyone who is looking for a well organized project with room for independence and to explore. Thank you Oyster for this amazing life-altering opportunity.

Oyster Worldwide were fantastic in helping me set up one of the best experiences of my life! Had an amazing amount of fun and worked hard volunteering with rescued Indian elephants. These elephants had been rescued from the trekking/riding industry, many of whom had been used in these industries for decades, so it was great to see them getting the good care they deserved! Oyster were great in helping me know what to expect when I got to Thailand. One of the most helpful things was being given a selection of useful Thai phrases with the phonetic pronunciations. These really helped me to understand the culture and way of life in Thailand a little bit more, and were definitely great ice breakers! Working with the elephants was a lot of fun and a real confidence boost! I was humbled to be able to take part in some of the amazing work the charity do. If you want to experience feeding, walking and showering an elephant, and independent travel then I highly recommend going on Oyster Worldwide's elephant conservation program in Thailand!

Travelling with Oyster Worldwide was an amazing decision and one that I would recommend to anybody with confidence! Working alongside the Oyster staff was wonderful. They are so organised, friendly and approachable. They were really sincere about wanting to give me a trip of a lifetime and they succeed! Organising to go to Romania was easy and all the information I needed was available to me online. Once in Romania I got to meet lots of wonderful people and our accommodation was a beautifully clean apartment in the heart of Brasov, it couldn't have been better. Working with the bears was an experience I will never forget and one I would do again. It was hands on, messy work but very rewardable. The highlight was being able to watch the bears enjoying life feeling free and happy, I felt very privileged. This project was perfect for any type of traveler, whether you were looking for adventure and new experiences (albeit slightly nervous) like me or you are a seasoned traveler with lots of experience. While there I saw lots of different types of volunteers, students, couples, families etc. I cannot praise this trip highly enough. For me, it was a very positive experience and one of the most rewarding trips I have ever been on.

Flying half-way around the world by yourself can at first seem daunting. Yet after reaching San Jose, the chilled tico way of life already began to make me realise that it shouldn't be. The hostel was fine for staying in and clean, but I was distracted by looking forward to reaching the beach and fears about the people I would meet, whom I knew nothing about and had to spend a week with. However, once I got on the minibus I realised that we were all in the same boat, even those of us who had flown out as pairs or were already friends/family. It's surprising how quickly you can bond so closely, so suffice it to say that by the time we had reached our destination (following a deviation by ferry as the bus had broken down before reaching us) we were all more than comfortable with the idea of spending a week in the beautiful, tropical paradise of San Miguel together. The days were relaxed although there were activities like volleyball or helping local children, and often the coordinators came up with their own activities for the day like fitness. The food was incredible and Locos Cocos was definitely worth a visit, but the most worthwhile part of the trip was undoubtedly the night shifts. The interminable excitement at possible finding a turtle meant that you didn't care how long you were out in the night or when, really. The two hours flew by, especially when you did find the tracks to a turtle or their nest. I remember it felt like a massive privilege to be able to see such an intimate moment as when a turtle laid her eggs, the embodiment of a dinosaur, almost unchanged for millennia. Whilst it first seemed like the eggs might break you soon learned how strong they were and I felt nothing more satisfying than seeing the work we had done in the hatchery as it rapidly filled. Now that I'm back in the UK I've been lucky enough to receive some photos from my friends who stayed out their longer of the baby turtles making their journey to the ocean. TO know that we made a difference, no matter how small, makes me immensely prideful. Yet, I feel no regrets about not seeing the babies. To be able to see an animal older than I am, to be able to collect her eggs and to witness something that almost nobody else can all while relaxing in such a beautiful location was fulfilling enough. Whilst everything may have been permanently damp with the ocean breeze and the wildlife more than exotic, I could not say that I was put off for a minute from the idea of travelling. So, I thank the incredible work of Oyster Worldwide and the Turtle Trax team for making my stay so enjoyable, as I look further afield to my next journey now with the self-confidence of a true person of the world.

Wow. Where do I begin. After never having travelled outside Europe before let alone travelling on my own, travelling to South Africa was the biggest adventure of my life. Oyster worldwide had all the information so well organised. I really cannot fault them. Anytime I had a problem or a worry, no matter how small, I always had a quick reply and in detail. Excellent work. I would highly recommend

All of the Oyster Worldwide team were very attentive and made sure that I was ready for my trip pre-departure, took care of me during my stay, and even helped me with adjusting to life when I was back home. The accommodation included was lovely, and right in the middle of town. Easy access to loads of shops, restaurants and things to go out and see and do. The sanctuary was lovely - the staff were very friendly despite the language barrier, and the work was enjoyable. Spending time with the bears was fantastic - watching them play fight and splash around in the water was lovely, and I won't ever forget it. I'd highly recommend travelling with Oyster! They organise and sort everything for you! Attached is my video from spending 2 months in Romania! The length of the video is testament to how incredible this trip is - I really couldn't choose anything to cut out!

I spent 2 weeks working at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania and this was by far the best experience I've ever had and it exceeded my expectations in many ways. The booking process was easy and the payments are broken down into smaller chunks. Anne is always available to answer questions and help get you prepared. I was impressed with how smooth and stress free booking with Oyster was and they provide all the info you need before you go. On arrival in Brasov, despite being delayed by traffic, Razvan (the Romanian rep) took us out for a welcome meal where we met the other volunteers. I was in a central hotel as the apartment was full but it was comfy and clean and only 5 mins round the corner. I was very well supported from the beginning to the end of my stay. Brasov is a gorgeous place to live and is filled with good food and friendly people. Working at the sanctuary surrounded by the bears and doggy friends in such a tranquil and beautiful setting was, for me, an absolute honour and I would go back there tomorrow if I could. If you get stuck in and help with the work, the rewards are incredible. We got to ride along with the staff during feeding time and watch the bears enjoy the food we had prepared for them, It was amazing to see them freed from their previously hellish conditions and simply enjoying themselves in the trees and ponds. I would recommend this project to anyone who loves bears or wants to make a genuine difference. You will be well looked after and make some great new friends along the way.

Despite only spending 1 week in Costa Rica volunteering with turtles, it was one of the most memorable and enjoyable weeks of my 3 month travels in Central America. The ability to not only see turtles make the journey up the beach and lay their nests but be able to do hands on work to relay the eggs to provide them a better chance at surviving was incredible. Although it was extremely hard work building the hatchery, it was extremely rewarding knowing that we were helping to give the best chance to the turtles nests lain this year that we discovered and we really bonded with locals with their help to meet our time target for construction. I can't wait to join another project!!

This project is hard work, that can't be denied. But it is truly worth it. The B&B I stayed in was good, for a rural village in Borneo; there were a couple of issues, but the project supervisor was able to resolve them fairly quickly. The food was delicious, despite my limitation of being vegetarian there was always plenty of choice. Each morning, the 20minute boat ride along the river is an amazing way to wake up, watching the forest wake up with you. We saw monkeys, hornbills, snakes, monitor lizards, orangutans and so many more. There was evidence of pygmy elephants in the area but they didn't appear while I was there. We worked at clearing a plot and planting trees, to eventually complete the tree canopy along the river bank. This project is very rewarding, as there is evidence of animals using the plots planted years ago, proving that this conservation work is successful and appreciated by the forest residents. It is tough work in the heat, but knowing you are helping and supporting the wildlife is good motivation! In addition to the conservation work, time is spent with the locals in the evenings and days off, which is a great way to experience the culture and expand your knowledge of other ways of life. Oyster Worldwide offers an amazing way to travel the world, keeping you safe while encouraging you to give something back to the community and immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Having volunteered with sun bears in 2016, I couldn't wait to book another project working with bears. This project was a bit of a step up from sun bears, as they were only the same size as me!! This project allowed me to explore the city whilst spending the weekdays working up at the sanctuary. The volunteer supervisor, Razvan, was friendly and incredibly supportive for the duration of my stay. I was only in Brasov for three weeks, which was definitely not long enough, but I had the opportunity to get to know some of the bears and the other staff and volunteers. Although the staff speak limited English, the other volunteers all spoke excellent English. This meant we could chat while we worked, play music and get to know each other. In the evenings and weekends we could explore the city. There are a couple of very nice restaurants, and Razvan was great in recommending places for us to try. After the first two weekends of sight seeing local castles, I decided to use my third weekend to go paragliding. It was amazing and if you have the time, definitely consider it! I would highly recommend this project as a fantastic was to see the city of Brasov, whilst also giving something back to the country by helping with the care of the rescued bears. 4 weeks is enough to learn your way around the city and sanctuary, get to know the people and bears and settle into the routine. If you can stay for longer, it is 100% worth it!!

As my first trip overseas, it was very ambitious of me to go to Borneo. It was terrifying. But Oyster helped me through every step of the process and after plenty of planning, asking questions and researching, I was just about ready to go. The transfer from airport to accommodation was timed perfectly, and on arrival I was welcomed by the project supervisor, Mark. He was friendly, helpful and reassuring. My first day of volunteering was difficult, as I was jet lagged and didn't adjust to working in the heat too well! But the whole team were great, they checked on me regularly and all of them were happy to take over my chores if I needed a break to sit down. I had an amazing two weeks with them, getting to know the bears and the people. Two weeks was just about enough to learn my way around, settle in and enjoy the time. I would definitely recommend a longer stay though! Minimum of 4 weeks, if you can! Oyster were very helpful through the booking and travel processes, answering any small questions I had and providing extra information. As Anne has visited the animal welfare projects, she knows how they all work, accomodation and the people. It was very reassuring to know that it's all been checked, so I would be safe and well looked after, as I had only just turned 18! Overall, it was an incredible experience and I am going back to visit the bear sanctuary this summer to see how they're all doing. It's a great way to see a new country, immerse yourself in the culture and be part of an incredible team who are making progress in helping this beautiful bear species.

Didn’t really do a lot of research before signing up for this programme but oyster made it a very seemless journey. Definitely an experience I won’t forget. Interacting and helping the locals was the best thing and seeing how our help out there actually made a difference. Can’t wait to go back

I have never been travel the world like a volunteer. But now, I can do it with peace and love. I like children and it is pleasure for me to give my experience for other. I have enough free time, so that's why I want to do something good for this Planet. I sure that this program is a great choice for me :)

My time in South Africa is a time that will live with me forever. It was an amazing experience to the other side of the world to see how they live. The children there are amazing and despite teaching over there being hard, it was a thoroughly rewarding experience. I got to teach maths, english, geography, science and i ended up coaching some hockey as well. I took part in so many things that I had never done before: Skydiving, Safariing, Shark Cage Diving to name but a few and I also got a good taste of african culture, it was awesome!

I spent three months volunteering at the bear sanctuary in Romania. The location and the work is done there is amazing, and truly inspiring. It was incredible to be so close to the bears on a daily basis, and to help directly in their welfare. We learned all about their backgrounds and how the sanctuary is working to protect bears in Eastern Europe. Romania itself is a stunning country, and it was great to be able to explore the mountains, the cities and the villages at the weekends. Oyster were fantastic and offered great support. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

This programme was really tough but so rewarding. The training is really fun and you get to meet loads of people - most of my group was from the UK, Germany and Denmark. When I got to my job I learnt so much about cattle and improved my horse riding skills no end. Be prepared, it's hot, dusty and the hours are long- the food is basic and the cattle can be rough and sometimes dangerous! I got to save all my wages because there was nothing to spend them on. It was a great way to allow me to travel to Sydney, Alice Springs and go diving in the Great Barrier reef afterwards.The only problem was that I didn't want to leave- i'm coming back next year to visit my employers.

I spent four months volunteering as a teacher in Nepal with Oyster and had an amazing time. The support and advice that I received from Oyster before the trip prepared me very well for the experience, and Basant, the in-country representative, was extremely friendly and approachable, and able to deal with any problems if they arose. I stayed with a lovely Nepalese family, who welcomed me into the community and made me feel like their own daughter, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being completely immersed in a very different culture. The teaching itself was well-organised, and a very rewarding experience. Going with a group of other Oyster volunteers from the UK was brilliant as it gave me a group of friends to explore Kathmandu and the rest of the country with at the weekends and in the school holidays. I made friends for life, and unforgettable memories - a highly recommendable programme!